Les Twentyman Foundation

We recently had a young person in need of glasses, thanks to a voucher from OneSight, he was able to get brand new glasses. 👓🌟

Since 2013, OneSight, along with its partners, has created permanent access to vision care for over 872 million people, equipping more than 77 million people in underserved regions with eyeglasses. This voucher has been truly life-changing, and we want to send our heartfelt thanks to OneSight for their incredible generosity and support, we are extremely grateful.👓💖

Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.opsm.com.au/eye-care/onesight

We’re SO proud to report that over 80% of the young people that come through our Youth Support Services program had no further contact with the police whilst working with the Les Twentyman Foundation, showcasing the incredible impact we are able to have in young people’s lives! 👏😍

Our Youth Support Service (YSS) is here for young people who need a little extra support to make positive changes in their lives. Our dedicated youth workers build strong relationships with both young people and their families, guiding them through tough issues and avoiding risky behaviours. 🙌

In 2023-24, our State Government-funded YSS program supported 105 young people, but due to high demand, we assisted an additional 40 young people. These additional 40 young people were funded through the generosity and kindness of the Foundation’s donors.

A big thank you to our amazing supporters because every young person who sought our help received it. 🧡

Learn more about our services: https://ltfoundation.com.au/our-services/

We are deeply moved to share this heartfelt testimonial from one of the young people we've had the privilege of supporting recently. With the current cost of living pressures, many families struggle to afford even the simplest necessities. Our dedicated youth workers strive to make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families, providing the support and care they need to thrive. ☹️💰

Here’s a touching message from one of the students we’ve been able to help. 🧡

Thank you for your continued support of the Les Twentyman Foundation. Your support makes stories like this possible. 🤩

If you would like to support our work, visit our website to learn more: https://ltfoundation.com.au/

Our little superstars are loving our Freestyle Soccer Afterschool Program! ⚽️🌟

This new Les Twentyman Foundation initiative came to life based on feedback directly from the young people we work with. It's designed to provide a fun, engaging, and supportive environment where kids can improve their soccer skills, build agility, and make new friends. 😊🥅

We extend our thanks to Hobsons Bay City Council, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, and Workforce Australia for inviting our young people to the Pathways to Work Expo at Grazeland recently and for providing them with food and drink vouchers. 👷‍♂️👩‍⚕️

This fantastic event provided young job seekers with essential resources and guidance to help them on their journey towards employment and career success. The expo offered a range of pathways to employment, with exhibitors including local businesses, internships and apprenticeships, employment services, and industry experts, as well as further training and study opportunities. 🌟

Your commitment to empowering and supporting our youth is truly appreciated! 🧡

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cr Sarah Carter. For well over a decade, Sarah has been a significant supporter of Les and the Foundation. 🕊️🧡

Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young people in her local community and all around the globe showcased her incredible kindness and compassion.

Thank you, Sarah, for your passion and dedication to the West. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sarah's family and friends during this difficult time.

It’s homelessness prevention week! 🚨

We want to use this opportunity to give a huge shoutout to Sheridan and StreetSmart Australia for their wonderful SleepSafe initiative. They recently provided us with sleep kits to distribute to young people we work with who don't have a safe and secure place to call home. 🥹🧡

Each kit includes a towel, flat sheet, fitted sheet, and a pillowcase. Since starting in 2019, Sheridan and StreetSmart Australia have provided over 155,000 kits to people facing hardship. 🛌 🚿

These kits bring so much comfort and security to many young individuals, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us and the families we support.

Thank you! 🥰

We recently visited Wendy and the team at West Welcome Wagon to deliver much-needed footwear for young asylum seekers and their families in Melbourne’s west. West Welcome Wagon is a volunteer-run not-for-profit dedicated to providing material aid and support to asylum seekers and refugees in the area. 👕👟

Here's a recent message we received from West Welcome Wagon:
“Thank you so much for thinking of West Welcome Wagon. Our condolences to you all on the passing of Les - his legacy lives on in the Foundation and all of the work you do. We would be delighted to accept the shoes. Thank you... Thanks again. We are grateful for your kindness.”

Together, we can make a bigger difference in the lives of those in need. 🧡

Our Back-to-School 2023-24 Report is now live. 📚🎊

We are overjoyed with the results of the 2023-24 Back-to-School season. Our Back-to-School program is entirely funded by the kindness and generosity of our donors, with not $1 of State or Federal Government support. Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we were able to provide 778 students with essential school supplies this year, including stationery, textbooks, and technology. This collaboration has allowed young people to return to school equipped with everything they need to succeed in the classroom. 💫

We simply could not make this possible without the support of our wonderful donors and everyone in the community who contributed. On behalf of the young people we work with and their families, we thank you. Your generosity has put smiles on their faces and made a real difference in their lives. 🧡

Download Report: https://ltfoundation.com.au/our-services/back-to-school-2/

We're so grateful to Sally and the incredible team at Backpacks 4 VIC Kids for donating Back-To-School Stationary packs for primary and secondary students, along with outreach packs filled with clothing, hygiene items, and more. 🎒🪥

Your generosity has made a huge difference for the young people we support. Thank you for bringing joy and much-needed resources to those who need it most, we are so grateful.🧡

We're still recovering from the school holiday fun! Many thanks to Victoria PCYC and Top Boxing Caroline Springs for inviting young people we work with to get fit and learn about boxing while hearing about the power of positive choices. 🥊💫

For those interested, the Police Citizen Youth Club (PCYC) classes return at 5 pm on July 23rd. For young people aged between 13 – 18 years of age, the classes are free. Get Involved today!

ADDRESS: 27 Eucumbene Dr, Ravenhall.

Thank you, PCYC and Top Boxing, for this great initiative! 🙏

Meet Jayden! Despite facing various challenges and setbacks, today marks a significant milestone as Jayden has successfully completed a barista program! ☕🧡

With dedication and determination, he has earned himself a well-deserved certificate and is now equipped with the skills to pursue new opportunities and can officially look for employment.

Let's celebrate this amazing accomplishment and wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter. 👏

Thank You, Harmony Youth Summit 2024! 🌟

We are incredibly grateful to the team at Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) for hosting such an inspiring and empowering event.

Our young people had the amazing opportunity to attend the Harmony Youth Summit 2024, where they engaged in meaningful discussions, built connections, and gained invaluable insights.

Thank you for creating a space where youth voices are heard and celebrated. Your dedication to fostering a harmonious and inclusive community is truly commendable. We look forward to future collaborations and continued growth together.

From all of us, and on behalf of the young people we work with, THANK YOU! 💖

This year’s Officeworks Make a Difference Appeal has raised a fantastic $67,180.14 for the Les Twentyman Foundation! 😍 🎉

Our thanks go to Brett Metherall and the incredibly motivated Officeworks team serving the western region of Melbourne. Through their efforts and those of their customers this fantastic donation means the Les Twentyman Foundation can continue providing support to at-risk and vulnerable young people who are unable to afford schoolbooks and other education necessities. 📚💻

In recent years the Officeworks western region has become a highly valued partner of the Les Twentyman Foundation. To Brett, Kris and to every staff member involved in this incredible campaign, including the Officeworks Support Office staff at Chadstone, we sincerely thank you on behalf of the young people we work with and walk alongside. 🧡

During the current national cost of living crisis these much-needed funds will go towards our Back-to-School Program helping the Foundation provide essential support to at-risk youth in our community and keeping them engaged in their education.

Thank you to Officeworks for your commitment in helping us change young lives for the better. 👏

Thank you to Officeworks for walking alongside the Les Twentyman Foundation.

Learn more about Back-to-School: https://ltfoundation.com.au/our-services/back-to-school-2/

Learn more about Make a Difference: https://www.officeworks.com.au/campaigns/make-a-difference-appeal

The Les Twentyman Foundation proudly supported our local community by dropping off several boxes filled with essential winter items to help those in need. ❄️🧥🧤

We delivered shoes, clothing, blankets, scarves, beanies, bedding, and towels to the West Footscray Neighbourhood House . This donation was part of their successful WARM UP WEST Footscray Event recently.

It was wonderful to see so many people come by, grab some much-needed items, and enjoy a delicious sausage sizzle provided by Katie Hall MP ! 🌭❤️

Thank you to everyone who came together to keep our community a little warmer this winter.

School Holiday Fun at Scienceworks ! 🌟🧪🔭

We extend our deepest gratitude to John Holland for generously providing tickets for our young people to enjoy during these school holidays. These are young individuals who, due to various constraints, rarely have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Your generosity has brought immense joy and valuable educational experiences to our youth. Thank you for making a significant difference in their lives and for helping us create unforgettable memories. 🧡

We recently received a letter from the Melton Rugby Union Club following a delivery of material aid for young people in need in which they wrote “We’d like to express our gratitude to the Les Twentyman Foundation for their kind donation to our club. We’re very grateful to have received the support and appreciate being thought of. Bless your hearts and the work you all do in providing influential goodness and being supportive role models to the young ones - thank you Selu and team."

It’s always a pleasure to be able to support young people in need. 🏉💙

🏀 Special Guest Alert! 🏀

We were thrilled to welcome back Ayuel Ayuel, a former Braybrook 96ers player who now shines in college basketball for the New Mexico Thunderbirds in the USA. Ayuel returned to inspire our Braybrook 96ers with his journey and shared valuable lessons on hard work, dedication, relationships, and the importance of saying no to negative influences. 🚫🧡

Thank you so much for coming and inspiring our little superstars, Ayuel Ayuel! Wishing you all the best with your basketball journey—we'll be watching with a few new fans! 🌟🙌

Only a few days left! ⏳

Join us in making a difference by supporting the Officeworks Make a Difference Appeal. Your donations directly benefit the Les Twentyman Foundation, providing essential support to youth in need in our community, keeping them in classrooms and out of courtrooms. 😍

Dig deep and help us change lives. Together, we can create a brighter future for young people in need.

To get involved, simply donate when shopping in store with Officeworks or online. Together we can make a difference and help change the lives of youth in need. 🧡

Learn more: https://www.officeworks.com.au/campaigns/make-a-difference-appeal

We are thrilled to share Sam's incredible journey! 🥳

After facing 15 days of suspension in two months and being on the brink of expulsion, Sam's life took a positive turn thanks to the intervention of a Les Twentyman Foundation Youth Worker. 😍

He is now thriving, attending TAFE three days a week without missing a single day and we are so proud of him. 🌟

Your support makes stories like Sam's possible. 🧡

Find out more about our programs: https://ltfoundation.com.au/

Our General Manager of programs, Chris Lacey, recently had an insightful opinion piece published in the Herald Sun addressing the rising issue of youth crime whilst highlighting the critical need for early intervention. 🗞️

The fear of an armed group of young men forcing their way into your home is becoming all too real in our community. While calls for harsher sentences are understandable, locking young people up often makes the problem worse. 🏡

Our late, great founder, Les Twentyman, described youth prisons as a ‘university of crime,’ where kids emerge angrier and more likely to reoffend. Instead, the solution lies in positive intervention at the earliest signs of anti-social behaviour.

At the Les Twentyman Foundation, our Youth Support Service employs outreach youth workers who build relationships with young people and their families, addressing the root causes of their behaviour. This approach helps them reconnect with family, school, and community. Impressively, 80% of participants avoid further involvement with the justice system.🥰👏

Despite the success of this program, state budget cuts threaten its continuation, while funds are directed towards post-crime solutions like ankle bracelets. We believe that detaining young people only exacerbates social problems. The key to reducing youth crime is early intervention and support.
Thank you for standing with us to create a safer, more supportive community. 💪❤️

Find out more about our programs online: https://ltfoundation.com.au/

We had an incredible day celebrating Officeworks' 30th anniversary, where funds were raised in support of the Les Twentyman Foundation. Les's widow Cherie and granddaughter Lotus, along with some of our dedicated team members, were in attendance to honour this milestone and our ongoing partnership with Officeworks. 🎈💙

Thank you, Officeworks, for your continued support and commitment to helping us make a positive impact in the lives of young people in our community.🥰

Remember, through the month of June Officeworks are tirelessly raising funds for our Back-to-School Program.

To get involved, simply donate when shopping in store with Officeworks or online. Together we can make a difference and help change the lives of youth in need. 🧡

Learn more : https://www.officeworks.com.au/campaigns/make-a-difference-appeal

We're thrilled to reveal the latest champions of the week for our Guzman y Gomez Braybrook vouchers at the Braybrook 96ers Basketball Club! 🏀

Hats off to these shining stars for their exceptional leadership, teamwork, and performance both on and off the court. Your dedication and hard work truly set the bar high, and we couldn't be prouder of you all. 💫

A massive shoutout to Guzman y Gomez Braybrook for their support. This partnership continues to uplift and inspire our young players, and we're so grateful for their ongoing commitment to our community.

We’re almost halfway through this year’s Make a Difference Appeal! ⌛🎒

Thanks to Officeworks customers, we are raising funds to support young people in need through our Back-to-School Program. 🚸

This year, we equipped over 750 students with the tools they needed to return to the classroom in 2024. Thanks to this campaign, we can reach even more young people in need of support next year. 📚

To get involved, simply donate when shopping in store with Officeworks or online. Together we can make a difference and help change the lives of youth in need. 🧡

Learn more: https://www.officeworks.com.au/campaigns/make-a-difference-appeal